Mr Fuller wrote:Eagles 8.3 51
Power 15.19 109
...
If the Power continue to have access to this team and play with the intent of winning I am sorry but there is simply no SANFL side that will close to them. Norwood were pretty lucky to play them first round when they were still sorting out their structure. It was clear right from the beginning that their skills are at a much higher level (less out-of bounds on the full, no kicking into man on the mark, pinpoint passing) while it was clear in the last quarter that their fitness base is far greater.
Port's skills in round 1 vs Norwood were notably bad, at least for the first half. Sure, there was some rust; but remember this was a side that had looked like gold for most of the practice matches, so it wasn't just lack of practice. Anyone's skills can fall away when they're constantly harassed, feel implicit pressure, lose confidence etc. The fitness base point is still valid,
provided that the vast majority of the side is AFL-listed (i.e. full-time professional footballers). This is true right now, but unlikely to remain true all year.
This result, where the margin seemingly flattered the loser, against arguably the best real SANFL club at the moment, could certainly ring alarm bells. However,
here is the current injury list, for both the Port Adelaide AFL and SANFL-contracted player list. If Monfries returns, things are as good as they will realistically get. Note that the Power 3rds (playing in the SANFL reserves comp) got well-beaten again—which historically would be unusual for a side dominating the SANFL league competition (their reserves might get beaten, but not consistently and/or only by small margins). The depth is not there compared with a 'real' SANFL club, which is not surprising.
Don't get me wrong—the current Port Adelaide Power 2nds/Magpies don't belong in the SANFL and a team with this configuration, and these priorities, shouldn't be playing in the SANFL league comp. I just don't agree that people are right when they claim that this team will be unbeatable, will sweep all before them on their way to the flag etc. At their strongest, quite possibly. But the chances they will remain at their strongest all year are pretty slim.